Uncovering Fear Disguised as Optimism

There’s no difference between a pessimist who says, “Oh it’s hopeless, so don’t bother doing anything,” and an optimist who says, “Don’t bother doing anything, it’s going to turn out fine anyway.” Either way, nothing happens.

Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia

Fear comes in many forms, and we usually don’t call it by its four letter name. Fear itself is quite fear-inducing. Most intelligent people in the world dress it up as something else: optimistic denial.

Most who avoid quitting their jobs entertain the thought that their course will improve with time or increase in income. This seems valid and is a tempting hallucination when a job is boring or uninspiring instead of pure hell. Pure hell forces action, but anything less can be endured with enough clever rationalization.

Do you really think it will improve or is it wishful thinking and an excuse for inaction? If you were confident in improvement would you really be questioning things so? Generally not. This is fear of the unknown disguised as optimism.

Are you better off than you were one year ago, one month ago, or one week ago?

If not, things will not improve by themselves. If you are kidding yourself, it is time to stop and plan for a jump. Barring any James Dean ending, your life is going to be LONG. Nine to five for your working lifetime of 40-50 years is a long-ass time if the rescue doesn’t come. About 500 months of solid work.

How many do you have to go? It’s probably time to cut your losses.

The preceding article was taken from Tim Ferriss’ book, The Four Hour Work Week. He clearly represents what is wrong with the American workplace and how fear limits our lives. Take the plunge while you can. Seek out a network marketing opportunity and consistently take action. Look at it as an insurance policy for you, your family and loved ones. The benefits are abound. Remember, you can’t get to second base without stepping off first.

Life is yours for the taking. Enjoy the journey.

Tom,

tomaliprandi@msn.com, 801.755.6859